Sovereign Metals : ESG Framework Advances Social Initiatives in Malawi



Sovereign Metals Limited (ASX:SVM; AIM:SVML) (the Company or Sovereign) continues its development of the Kasiya rutile project (Kasiya), the largest rutile deposit in the world, the Company is pleased to announce that it has taken proactive steps to establish ESG frameworks to become an industry leader in its corporate social responsibility in Malawi.

ForSovereign remains committed to making informed choices in line with our strong corporate governance, financial capabilities, operational efficiency, environmental stewardship, stakeholder engagement and resource management.

Sovereign's Managing Director Dr Julian Stephens commented: "Over the last decade Sovereign has worked very hard to establish and maintain a strong and positive social licence to operate in Malawi. The future development of the Kasiya Rutile Project will bring substantial benefits to Malawi in terms of GDP, royalties, taxes, employment and training, local business opportunities and community development. In advancing Kasiya, Sovereign will strive to become a leading socially responsible corporate"

Sovereign Metals Limited | ASX:SVM AIM:SVML

T: +61 8 9322 6322 | F: +61 8 9322 6558 | E: info@sovereignmetals.com.au | www.sovereignmetals.com.au

Level 9, 28 The Esplanade, PERTH WA 6000 | ABN: 71 120 833 427

PROMOTING EDUCATION IN MALAWI

onlySovereign understands the importance of education for young Malawians. At a community level, the Company is working to improve the local learning environment and is working in close cooperation with the local education committees.

Schools upgrade program

Sovereign has identified four schools in the neighbouring community of Kasiya which would significantly benefit from access to additional learning materials and upgrades to their learning environments. This initiative has the endorsement and support from the Education Technical Committee, who have

usecommended the Company for the program.

personalForScholarship Program

Furthermore, Sovereign has established a scholarship program which will provide high school learners with sufficient support to reach their full potential. An initial eight students have entered the scholarship program.

Internship Program

Sovereign regularly provides internships with students from the University of Malawi (Chancellor College) and the Mining Engineering Department of the Polytechnic. The Company has accepted twelve students to assist in the upcoming drill program with six geology and six engineering students gaining experience and exposure to the industry.

ADVANCING LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE onlyLaboratory facilities

Sovereign has established an international standard laboratory facility in Malawi. This facility provides Sovereign the ability to analyse drill samples for rutile content.

usepersonalThe facility has the ability to process over 80 drill samples per day with the processing controlled by QA/QC procedures, which includes a certified magnetic separation unit. During a recent visit from

Government officials, they were very impressed with the high-standard and professionalism of the laboratory.

For

Figures 3 & 4: Recording sample weights (L) and conducting magnetic separation (R) at the Company's laboratory

in Lilongwe

4

Water bores

onlyTo provide local communities with drinkable water. Sovereign has commissioned four water bores across its licence area. The water bores save the local communities transit times and provide a clean source of water.

usepersonalEMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING OF A DIVERSE WORKFORCE

The Company currently employs 45 full time employees and is an equal opportunities employer with a gender diverse workforce. Currently, 60% of Sovereign's professional Malawian staff and at least 50% of our regular interns are women.

It is estimated during the operation of Kasiya it will create hundreds of direct jobs and significantly more indirect jobs in the community. Similar projects in Africa typically witness a flow on effect for employment in local communities. For every person employed directly in the project a significant multiplier of people will be employed in indirect jobs. These jobs would be supported by the Company's supply chain and

Foradditional consumer spending generated by the new direct and indirect employment.

Sovereign has structured training and skills transfer programs covering on-the-job training for full-time employees, as well as programs for local graduates and interns. The programs focus on building skills capacity in the surrounding community. Recent examples of this include defensive driving and first aid for senior staff in Malawi.